The South African cricketers are 299 for five and trail India's first innings by 35 runs after a rain-shortened third day of the second and final Test in Durban.
Jacques Kallis is unbeaten on 78 in his final Test.
The 38-year-old notched up his 87th half-century in tests and will resume day four with nightwatchman Dale Steyn, who was yet to score.
South Africa lost JP Duminy for 28 just before the close, one of four wickets for Indian spinner Ravindra Jadeja, who took four for 87.
